Lesson Plan for 2nd grade Social Studies Class

Comparing the Continents
Overview:
This lesson plan was inspired by: A Survey of the Continents; a year-long project conducted by Suzie Howell-Olsen and Katie Hansen of Meadow School in Petaluma, California. The two received a teacher grant from the National Geographic Education Foundation @: http://www.nationalgeographic.com .

1. Standards -

2-8 Identify continents, oceans, and the equator using technology, maps, and globes.

2. Objectives

2.8.1 Students will- identify land, water, and the equator on maps and globes.

Identify map elements, including title, legend, and scale

Students will examine maps and globes to compare the physical features of Earth's continents.
Students will lable a map with continents, the oceans, and the equator.

3. Introductory Activities - Review Maps / Continents

In a group, review maps and continents:
http://NeoK12.com/pres/HY725HL8
Neok12 Presentation to review prior knoweledge of the continents and introduce map technology.
Ask students if they can name the continents. See if they can find them on a map. Review continents names on presentation.

4. Developmental Activities - Students will learn how to

  • Identify map elements, including title, legend, and scale
  • Identify the equator and lines of latitude and longitude.
  • Utilize key elements on maps and globes to locate continents and oceans.
Working in pairs, or small groups, students will use internet resources and library resources to research a continent or ocean region and make their own small poster with a map legend and compass rose. Students will accurately label the map, and land areas. and present to class at the end of the lesson.

5. Culminating activities:

Students will pick a continent or an ocean on the Globe and present new facts they learned during the lessson to the class during presentations.
Students will record research information on back of worksheet (provided) on the quiz page.
Students will review Maps and Globes information from FactMonster- (next page) and complete quiz and comments section for bonus points.

6. Assessment (Evaluation of the Day’s Objectives/Assessing Students’ Learning)

Assessments will be made during presentations, and while students complete on-line activity:
Have students label the continents on a blank Xpeditions outline maps of the world .

7. Modifications for Special Needs

Acquire any equipment needed for students to access internet, ie., vision, hearing - devices.
Allowing students to work in pairs or small groups, will be beneficial to all students.

8. Resources/Materials

Computer with Internet access
  • Globe
  • Wall map of the world
  • Blank Xpeditions outline maps of the world(one for each student)
  • Small poster-boards, or construction paper.
  • Crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
  • Ruler

9. Self-Reflection

Will be completed after activity.

10. Alternate Activities====

[[http://www.neok12.com/Geography.htm">Geography</a]]> View videos in computer lab, or computer station. - Choose Geography tutor-Map Skills, Tell Me Why Geography, and How does GPS work? Games and activities can be played on-line and used with listening aparatus if needed. Students can re-play info- and re-try games to gain understanding through practice.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/atlas/index.html.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/01/g35/tgcontinents.html Geography Lesson Plan wiki